by Alan Zaza
I arrived at the upper (SW) lot about 6:30pm and received a warm welcome from Jamie Dillon and friends. The weather was very nice all night long. Temps were noted to be around 45-48 after midnight and dew was not an issue. No wind at all, and no clouds except near the horizon. It was great to be back after 4 months.
Having gotten "Bino Fever" I decided to get a true binocular telescope; one where I can interchange eyepieces, and use moderate power. I bought a pair of 30mm (30X), and 15mm (60X) Ultrascopic eyepieces. These give me true fields of 1.7, and 0.8 degrees. I bought this binoscope for a quick setup, and because of its unique design; having a long FL of 900mm, and a 45 degree viewing angle. The images are all I hoped for with stars pinpoints right up to the fieldstop and phenomenal contrast.
Essentially, the XT-10 "crushed" the 80mm bino in terms of brightness and detail observed. I thought I could not go back to monocular vision after being blown away by the 3D effect of the binoscope, but I was wrong. There was just so much more detail and resolution in the 10". The binoscope does provide very jaw dropping views on all the brighter objects like the Orion nebula, and Double cluster however. The 3D effect is amazing. Objects seem to loom in front of you and take on a different character.
I also got some fantastic views of a Hickson group and other intriguing objects through the other scopes. What fun.
Posted on sf-bay-tac Mar 07, 2005 19:38:17 PT
Converted by report.pm 1.2 Mar 12, 2005 09:30:40 PT